No one-size-fits-all: sexual health education preferences in patients with breast cancer

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dc.contributor.authorHuynh, Victoria
dc.contributor.authorVemuru, Sudheer
dc.contributor.authorHampanda, Karen
dc.contributor.authorPettigrew, Jessica
dc.contributor.authorFasano, Marcella
dc.contributor.authorCoons, Helen L.
dc.contributor.authorRojas, Kristin E.
dc.contributor.authorAfghahi, Anosheh
dc.contributor.authorAhrendt, Gretchen
dc.contributor.authorKim, Simon
dc.contributor.authorMatlock, Dan D.
dc.contributor.authorTevis, Sarah E.
dc.date.accessioned2022-12-09T17:40:26Z
dc.date.available2022-12-09T17:40:26Z
dc.date.issued2022-08-01
dc.description.abstractBackground: Using explanatory mixed methods, we characterize the education that patients with breast cancer received about potential sexual health effects of treatment and explore preferences in format, content, and timing of education. Patients and Methods: Adult patients with stage 0–IV breast cancer seen at an academic breast center during December 2020 were emailed questionnaires assessing sexual health symptoms experienced during treatment. Patients interested in further study involvement were invited to participate in semistructured interviews. These interviews explored sexual health education provided by the oncology team and patient preferences in content, format, and timing of education delivery. Results: Eighty-seven (32%) patients completed the questionnaire. Most patients reported decreased sexual desire (69%), vaginal dryness (63%), and less energy for sexual activity (62%) during/after treatment. Sixteen patients participated in interviews. Few women reported receiving information about potential sexual effects of breast cancer treatment; patients who did reported a focus on menopausal symptoms or fertility rather than sexual function. Regarding preferences in format, patients were in favor of multiple options being offered rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, with particular emphasis on in-person options and support groups. Patients desired education early and often throughout breast cancer treatment, not only about sexual side effects but also on mitigation strategies, sexual function, dating and partner intimacy, and body image changes. Conclusion: Few patients received information about the sexual health effects of breast cancer treatment, though many experienced symptoms. Potential adverse effects should be discussed early and addressed often throughout treatment, with attention to strategies to prevent and alleviate symptoms and improve overall sexual health.en_US
dc.identifier.citationHuynh, V., Vemuru, S., Hampanda, K., Pettigrew, J., Fasano, M., Coons, H. L., Rojas, K. E., Afghahi, A., Ahrendt, G., Kim, S., Matlock, D. D., & Tevis, S. E. (2022). No One-Size-Fits-All: Sexual Health Education Preferences in Patients with Breast Cancer. Annals of surgical oncology, 29(10), 6238–6251. https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-022-12126-7en_US
dc.identifier.otherDOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12126-7
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14041/4522
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.publisherAnnals of Surgical Oncologyen_US
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States*
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/*
dc.subjectSexual Health Educationen_US
dc.subjectPatients with Breast Canceren_US
dc.titleNo one-size-fits-all: sexual health education preferences in patients with breast canceren_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
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